Amaryllis  

Amaryllis Syn: Hippeastrum (actually the correct name) Common name :Amarylli

• Large flowering varieties
• Double flowering varieties
• Small flowering varieties
• Forcing Amaryllis to flower

A certain amount of confusion exists surrounding 'Hippeastrum', the plant's scientific name, and 'Amaryllis', its common name. The Hippeastrum, a bulbous plant that originated in South Africa, has 4 to 6 large flowers on a hollow stem. Amaryllis belladonna is another bulbous plant from South Africa, but this plant has 6 to 12 smaller flowers on a solid flower stem. For reasons which are difficult to fathom but certainly confusing, the Hippeastrum is known almost the world-over as 'Amaryllis'. The genus, Hippeastrum is composed of several species, while Amaryllis belladonna is the only species in the genus, Amaryllis. The numerous Hippeastrum cultivars being grown were developed from hybridizations involving several species.

Good results from planting these bulbs outside in the garden is possible only in climatic zones 9 and 10. Here, the bulbs can be planted either in the autumn or in the early spring. Planting in the spring is preferable because the bulbs will flower so rapidly. Planting in the fall will mean a wait of at least three to four months - depending on the prevailing temperatures - before flowering. In case of cold weather, it would be a good idea to apply a layer of mulch over the bulbs. To encourage bulb development, provide artificial fertilizer every month during the growth and flowering stages. a lot more info

Large flowering cultivars: 'Apple Blossom': deep pink on a white background 'Hercules': magenta 'Liberty': deep red 'Ludwig Dazzler': white 'Minerva': red and white striped 'Mont Blanc': pure white 'Orange Sovereign': orange 'Picotee': pure white with red edges 'Piquant': orange with a white stripe 'Red Lion': scarlet red 'Rilona': salmon pink 'White Christmas': pure white Double flowering cultivars: 'Double Record': salmon and white 'Jewel': white 'Lady Jane': orange 'Red Peacock': red with a white link

Amaryllis 'Double Record'

Small-flowering cultivars: 'Bianca' (Green Goddess): white 'Calimero': red 'Pamela': red 'Scarlet Baby': dark red 'Voodoo' (Naughty Lady): red and white striped These cultivars are only a few of the many that are available but provide a good idea of the wide variety of colors on the market.

Amaryllis 'Germa'

Forcing amaryllis bulbs

Preparation If the bulbs are not being potted up right away, store them at a temperature around 50°F (9°C) in a dry, dark, well-ventilated place. If desired, place the underside of the bulb, including its roots, in lukewarm water for a few hours before potting it up. Potting up We offer small packages of good soil which is rich in humus and worm castings. Put a layer of soil into the pot and then position the bulb in the pot so that the nose of the bulb will just stick up above the rim of the pot. Fill the space between the bulb and the side of the pot with potting soil and tap down the soil firmly but not enough to damage the roots. Do not fill the pot up completely with soil, as this makes watering difficult.

Amaryllis Hippeastrum 'Floris Hecker'

Temperature
Bulbs in pots grow best at normal room temperature (68°F [20°C]) and when placed in a lighted location. Water should be provided sparingly at first, and then more and more generously as the flower stems develop.

For long-lasting flowering
Bulbs of good quality are available through the end of April. Various factors will determine how long it takes before a potted bulb will bloom, but an important factor is the time of year that the bulb is potted up. Obviously, the growth process will require more time in the winter than in the spring, but an average time is from six to ten weeks. This makes it possible to create a potting schedule for the October - April period. It then becomes easy to have flowering amaryllis bulbs on your window sill for a long time.

Storing amaryllis bulbs to bloom again
The real hobbyist can get the bulbs to bloom again. Although it seems a shame to relegate them to the compost heap, it should also be mentioned that the results produced by new bulbs grown by professionals under ideal conditions will always be better. Even so, such an experiment is definitely worthwhile. After the bulb has flowered, the faded flowers should be cut from the stems while leaving the flower stem itself and the leaves attached to the bulb. Continue providing water, adding plant food to the water on a regular basis. In early September, no more plant food should be given, and the provision of water should be steadily reduced so that by October no water at is being given at all. The bulb must enter a dormant period, as evidenced by its withering leaves. This dormant period, spent in a cool, dark location, lasts until January-February. Then, after the old soil and dried roots have been removed, the bulb should be repotted. The growing cycle begins again, and almost always produces a lovely flowering.

Step by step

• Accept only bulbs that feel nice and heavy. The larger the bulb, the more flower stems and the more flowers to a stem you can expect.
• If the bulbs cannot be potted up right away, store them in a cool (50°F [9°C]), dry place.
• If you pot up bulbs every two weeks, you will have flowering specimens all through the winter and spring.
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• Make sure that the pot has a good drainage hole, and use rich soil.

Although the Hippeastrum can be grown outside in the garden in climatic zones 9 and 10, this bulbous plant is still much more suitable for bringing into flower indoors. The nice thing about forcing Amaryllis bulbs into flower inside the home is that it is so simple to do. What's more, once the bulbs have flowered, they can be stored and brought into to flower again.

More details

Amaryllis 'Hercules

Amaryllis bulbs must be commercially cultivated for three to five years before they can be marketed, the length of cultivation depending on several factors such as the cultivar and the growing methods. Two countries producing significant numbers of amaryllis bulbs are the Netherlands and South Africa. The bulb size and the cultivar are factors determining the number of flower stems that will develop. Also, large bulbs produce more flowers to a stem. Two to five flowers to a stem is common, the stem usually measuring 16-24 inches (40-60 cm.). The flowers of 'ordinary' varieties measure 8 inches (25 cm.) in diameter, while the 'miniature' varieties display flowers measuring 5 inches (12.5 cm.) across. Since the flowers do not bloom simultaneously, the total flowering period lasts a fairly long time. The flowers are very similar to those of lilies, both of these genera being distantly related to one another. The bigger the bulb is, the more chance that it will produce two flower stems with several flowers to a stem. Bulbs listed as being size 20-24 (these size figures are the number of centimeters around the bulb!) produce usually one and sometimes two stems; a size 28 bulb will definitely produce two stems, and sometimes three. A second flower stem always develops later than the first one, therefore it will bloom later than the first. Prices for these bulbs depend on the bulb size, the cultivar and the country in which they were produced. The long, narrow, dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the sturdy, thick, light green flower stems. The bulbs should already have fairly long fleshy roots when purchased. When potting or planting, care must be taken to avoid damaging them.

Amaryllis bulbs always make welcome gifts, especially since they are usually sold in lovely boxes displaying an illustration of the cultivar inside. In addition to the bulb, the boxes often contain a pot and the potting soil required to bring the bulb into flower. The amaryllis is ideal for people who have little time or inclination to spend on high-maintenance flowers and plants. Amaryllis are also available already potted and growing.

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